Be it for professionals or for those who love it as a hobby, the diverse topographical features of the Shirakami Sanchi make it the ideal location for the adventurous cyclist. As an eco-friendly means of getting around, it also contributes significantly to the conservation efforts of the UNESCO natural world heritage site and its surrounding area.

Here’s a useful guide to the bicycle rental services available at the southern end of the Shirakami Mountains

• Fujisato Town

Minami-Shirakami Base

• Noshiro City

Road Station Futatsui
Noshiro Shimin Plaza
Sunwood Noshiro
Maruyama Auto Repair Shop

1. Minami-Shirakami Base

Embark on an adventurous bicycle tour through beautiful terraced rice fields at the foot of Shirakami Mountains. Take a break at the Kasugano Observatory deck with a panoramic view of the sea of paddy fields at the base of the ‘satoyama’ (Japanese term for the area between mountain foothills and flat land where people coexist with nautre). Fujisato is also home to a number of firefly habitats – you may catch a glimpse of them at night if you’re visiting around late June to early July.

Bikes for rent: 7 mountain bikes, 3 road bikes, 6 helmets

Rental fee: [Full day] 2,000 yen
                  [Half-day] 1,500 yen

Rental Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 17:00 p.m.

Things to note:

• TS insurance is included in rental fee.
  (In the event of an accident, the insurance only covers bodily injury and property damage to the other party. The person who caused the accident will be responsible for his/her medical expenses and bike repair costs).

Location:  52 Nemaru Base, Aza Fujikoto, Fujikoto, Fujisato town, Yamamoto-gun, Akita Prefecture

Telephone: 0185-74-6102 (9:00-17:00)

E-mail: fujisatogenki2017@yahoo.co.jp

Closed: On weekends and public holidays

2. Roadside station Futatsui

Enjoy calming views of the tranquil Yoneshiro River as you cycle through the courses behind Roadside Station Futatsui and popular power spot Kimimachizaka Park, with pleasant scenery in all seasons. The scenic park is particularly well known for its cherry blossoms in spring and fall foliage in autumn.

Bikes for rent: 3 electric bicycles (1 bike per person)
Child policy: Children must be elementary school age or above. Children below high school age are required to be accompanied by parents.

Rental hours: Every day from 9:00 a.m. to 16:00 p.m. (cannot be reserved in advance)
Return time: Before 17:00 p.m. (return to the original rental location)

Things to note:

• Be sure to fill out the rental application form before use.
• Rental and returns should be done during specified business hours.
• This is a same-day rental service (usage is limited to one day). In principle, rentals are not available for two or more consecutive days.

Address: 51 Izumi, Kotsunagi, Futatsuimachi, Noshiro City, Akita Prefecture

Telephone: 0185-74-5118 (9:00 – 18:00)

Closed: 1 & 2 January

3. Noshiro Shimin Plaza

Thanks to its convenient location near Noshiro station, you can easily rent an electric bike and start exploring the city! Stop by the city’s cozy cafes for a quick break or light meal. Enjoy seeing the amusing illustrations and artwork and various symbols representative of the ‘City of Basketball’ as you ride along the city streets.

Bikes for rent: 2 electric bicycles

Rental fees: [Up to 3 hours] 500 yen (if the rental time exceeds 3 hours, an extension fee of 500 yen will be charged)
                    [Over 3 hours] 1000 yen

Rental hours:  10:00 a.m. to 16:00 p.m.

Things to note:

• A rental application form must be completed and an identification document must be presented at the counter of Shimin Plaza.
• You must agree to the rental terms and conditions.
• If the weather is bad, the rental service may be suspended for the day.

Address: 7-17 Motomachi, Noshiro City, Akita Prefecture

Telephone: 0185-88-8161

E-mail: front@noshiro-plaza.jp

4. Sun Wood Noshiro (Information Center)

Across Sunwood lies one of Japan’s largest black pine groves. Rent a bicycle, enter through the red torii gates and cycle through the off-road trail lined with black pine trees at Kazenomatsubara Forest.

Bikes for rent: 2 bicycles (non-electric)

Rental fee: Free

Rental hours: 9:00 a.m. to 21:00 p.m.

Things to note:

• A rental application form must be filled out at the counter before use.

Address: 1-28 Haginodai, Noshiro City, Akita Prefecture

Telephone: 0185-52-3121

Closed: 29 December till 3 January

5. Maruyama Auto Repair Shop

Explore the famous ‘Town of Love Letters – Futatsui !💗 Head to Maruyama Auto Repair’s office, book a rental bicycle and cruise through the illustrious shopping streets filled with themes of love. Spot the town’s lively mascot – Mokkun – on display all over town! Futatsui’s scenic park, Kimimachizaka, and shopping streets in particular have many hidden heart shapes and symbols.

Bikes for rent: 1 electric bicycle

Rental fee: Free

Rental hours: 8:30 a.m. to 16:00 p.m. (cannot be reserved in advance)
Return time: By 17:00 p.m.

Things to note:

• Fill out the rental application form at the office (wooden building) before use.
• Rental is limited to 1 day within the specified rental hours (as a general rule, the bike cannot be rented for 2 or more consecutive days and should therefore be returned on the same day).

Address: 10-1 Ōtamote, Futatsui Town, Noshiro City, Akita Prefecture

Telephone: 0185-73-4220

Closed: Sundays and public holidays